Safety Companion - Haywood Regional

Safety Companion - Haywood Regional Medical Center

PRN | Varied Shifts 

Your experience matters  

Haywood Regional Medical Cetner is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a Safety Companion/Patient Sitter joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier ^®. Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve. 

Job Summary

A Patient Sitter provides direct patient observation and input in planning care through communication with the RN and other patient care team members. Is effectively involved with maintaining the standard of care for assigned patients through communication with the care team. Maintains competency and possesses the skills to provide a safe environment to those medical patients requiring close supervision because of behavioral health issues. Completes duties as assigned and performs duties under the direct supervision of the RN.

Reports to: Float Pool 

Why join us 

We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers:   

• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees. 
• Financial Protection & PTO: Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off. 
• Financial & Career Growth: Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match. 
• Employee Well-being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs). 
• Professional Development: Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities. 

Job Requirements

Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience:

The below certifications will be required at the time of hire:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)

Clear communication, listing and observation skills.

• Ability to respond swiftly - physically able to sit, stand, bend, brace and lift at a moment's notice.
• Calm confident manner and able to remain calm during moment of escalation or high stress.
• Maintain composure with distressed or combative patient(s).
• Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.

Essential Functions

• Sitters observe the patient and maintain a safe environment; they must always have continuous and unobstructed view of the patient.
• The sitter may not adjust or remove restraints. If the patient complains of discomfort, the sitter is to notify the nurse immediately.
• The sitter will accompany the patient for any test or procedures off the unit. The sitter will accompany surgical patients to the Holding Area. The sitter will remain within arm's length of the patient until relieved by the RN.
• Sitters will attempt to prevent the patient from pulling out lines/tubes.
• Sitters will attempt to prevent the patient from getting out of bed if there is an activity level of bed rest ordered.
• Sitter may assist patient to the bathroom if activity level permits and RN approves. Bathroom door will remain open and sitter will have direct view of patient at all times.
• At the discretion of the nurse, the sitter may assist with ambulation and feeding.
• The sitter should assist the patient with obtaining fluids, consuming meals, wiping their face, etc.
• Sitters may read to the patient, play a board game or cards, turn on the television and engage on general conversation.
• Patient requests for assistance are referred to the nursing staff via call bell system.
• Always protect the patient's dignity and privacy by keeping the patient covered, the patient room door closed, etc.
• The sitter may not make or receive personal phone calls while on duty or use a personal cell phone. In the case of an emergency, the sitter must notify the nurse that he/she needs to be relieved to make a phone call. The sitter may not leave until he/she has been relieved.
• The sitter may have reading material while on duty, but may only read when the patient is asleep.
• The sitter will be relieved for breaks and meals but may not leave the patient until physically relieved by another staff member.

Populations Served

Young, middle, and older adults 

Type of Protected Information Accessed:

• Demographic
• Clinical

While performing this job, occupational exposure is present for all employees

Pushing / Pulling: 0-25 lbs.: frequently

Pushing / Pulling: 26-75 lbs.: frequently

Pushing/Pulling: over 75 lbs.: frequently

Lifting/Carrying (non-patient) : 0-25 lbs.: occasionally

Lifting/Carrying (non-patient) : 26-75 lbs.: occasionally

Organizational Expectations

Adheres to the following SRMC Policies / Philosophies:

1.) Attendance

2.) Safety

3.) Customer and Needs

4.) Continuous Improvement

5.) Process Focus

6.) Communication

7.) HIPPA / Patient Privacy

8.) Teamwork

9.) Dress Code / Hygiene

10.) Has completed all annual training in LifeTalent Center / Healthstream

More about Haywood Regional Medical Center 

Haywood Regional Medical Center is licensed for 154 beds and offers a comprehensive array of services and 11 multi-specialty physician clinics. We also offer a 54,000 square foot Health and Fitness Center including personal training, indoor pool, massage therapy, and nursery.  Clyde is centrally located to all that Western North Carolina has to offer. With our classic Southern charm, we offer a relaxing getaway lifestyle with impressive views of the Smokies and classic Appalachian culture. We are also just a short drive away Maggie Valley, Asheville, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

EEOC Statement 

"Haywood Regional Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Haywood Regional Medical Center is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment."